Sir, – Thanks to Kathy Sheridan for focusing minds on the widespread use of coarse language (Opinion, September 1st). Coarse language clearly has become acceptable, even by our politicians who we expect to show at least a degree of courtesy and leadership – hope springs eternal.
Buzzwords too have become very fashionable and they come and go. One cannot miss the widespread use of the term “reaching out”. This buzzword is now appearing regularly, even in correspondence. Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney addressing the Oireachtas committee examining Katherine Zappone’s appointment said “she reached out to me last summer”.
Let’s hope coarse language doesn’t become the norm and that “reaching out” is confined to the sin bin.
– Yours, etc,
ALICE LEAHY,
Director of Services,
Alice Leahy Trust ,
Dublin 8.